Director Chuck Russell has tragically and unexpectedly passed away at his San Diego home at the age of 74.
Russell was best known to most moviegoers for directing The Mask (1994). But his contributions to the horror genre were significant too. He directed (the best) Nightmare on Elm Street sequel, Dream Warriors (1987) and an excellent remake of The Blob (1988). Russell first broke into the genre though as a producer, working on titles such as The Hearse (1980) and Hell Night (1981) - both worth a watch.
His last feature was a remake of 80s cult horror movie 'Witchboard' - which was released in 2024.
Jim Carey said: "I consider it a privilege to have worked with Chuck Russell, who during the shooting of ‘The Mask,’ created an ebullient, childlike atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on his set. The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness. Every one of us has been many years blessed by that buoyant and timeless moment. I consider ‘The Mask’ one of the jewels of my creative life. Thank you, Chuck.”
